Thursday, December 13, 2018

Love The Lord, With All Your Heart, Soul, Mind And Spirit, Likewise, Love Each Other.

Philippians 2:1

These things being so, for whoever is encouraged in Messiah, whoever is comforted by total commitment, whoever communes in the Spirit having an inward affection and compassion and mercy.

As we roll out of the first chapter of Philippians, Paul transitions from what Messiah Y’shua has done for us, to what the natural Messianic outpouring of the Spirit and our outwardly commitment to God, through the Messiah, should look like.

He also gives us an internal litmus test, as to what our Spiritual Self should reflect. Our Spirit should

- be encouraged in the Messiah.
- be comforted by his Agape, his Total Comittment
- have communion with the Spirit of God
- have an inward affection for God, ourselves and others, reflected in compassion and mercy.

These are things that we need to ask ourselves on a daily basis. Otherwise, let’s take a Spiritual inventory every day, before we start our day and end our day.

Philippians 2:2

Fill up my joy completely by thinking the same of yourself, commit yourselves in love of one mind and spirit. Spirit, Mind, One Purpose.

Unfortunately, this is one aspect at which the modern church has failed miserably. We are far from one mind and spirit, little alone, one purpose. We are so fractured from years of Biblical and Spiritual disagreement, that the church no longer reflects the true body of Christ, the Messianic Remnant. We have so many denominations, in which resides so many different doctrines. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the church is sitting exactly where Satan has planned, far from One Spirit, One Mind, One Purpose.

We need to get back to what the Word of God says, not what the traditions and doctrines of man say. It’s so easy, especially in today’s world, to explore the original Word of God. There are so many resources to explore the ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Languages and the culture, in which they were written. This generation will have absolutely no excuse not to know what the One Mind, One Spirit should be. Again, as the Bible tells us, so many will perish because they know of Messiah Y’shua (The Word of God), they don’t know Messiah Y’shua personally.

Keep in mind, not only does it fill Paul's Joy to the upmost, when the Remnant of God is of One Mind, One Spirit, One Purpose, we also complete God's Joy.

Philippians 2:3-4

not according to electioneering (a partisan and fractious spirit), nor by groundless, self esteem, empty pride but lead one another with modesty, humility and lowliness of mind holding each other in higher than yourselves, not taking heed to you ownself but after each other.

It’s amazing that Paul, through the eyes of God, saw and forewarned us about people, who would attempt to solicit each other, with their own non-biblical perceptions, based on grounds not supported by the Scriptures. They would do this, based on empty pride and self esteem.

I wonder if Paul knew that empty and self serving pride would result in versions of the Bible, which would skew the original meaning. No doubt that God knew. That’s why he put these two verses in the Bible.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.     Revelation 22:18-19

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.     Proverbs 30:5-6


Paul goes on to tell us that we need to lead each other with modesty and humility, while considering the needs of others, before our own. If we do what is commanded here, then our needs will be taken care of, automatically. It reflects the greatest commandment, which encompasses all the commandments.

Love the Lord, with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit and likewise Love each other.

Think about it. We Love God and God takes care of us. Likewise, If We Love each other, we are taken care of.

Amazing, How that works. Shalom!


52 comments:

  1. Hi Keith,
    what a lovely post, it is so scriptural. One of the things that speaks to me regarding loving one another is not keeping a record of wrongs. None of us are perfect and if we try to judge another, then we are usually judged by the things we have done in our own lives.
    I love growing in the Lord, and agree that it is only that Word spoken to us that enables that growth. Any false doctrines and traditions of man that do not line up with the truth of that Word will make void the Word of God and achieve nothing as far as growing in the Lord is concerned.

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  2. Leadership, something you don't hear much of, these days. Do this. Do that. I agree that the church lacks leadership in love. Love isn't this feel good, make you feel good thing. Love is a commitment like a marriage. All you get these days is lets praise, feel good in church, then see you next week. No one checks on another and they wonder why they're not there after a while. We need to lead each other in love.

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  3. Brenda, what do you do when the people that keep doing you wrong after you have forgiven them. Don't you think that the bible teaches that you distance yourself away from one that continue to cause problems and keep doing people wrong? Not arguing. Just wanting your opinion.

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  4. Honestly not answering for Brenda but the Yeshua answers straight forward how to handle this situation.
    Mathew 18:15-17
    “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

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  5. The perspective that I’m understanding Brenda is coming from is trying to get a speck out of you brothers eye when their is a log in your own. We must be careful to prayerfully examine our lives and if there is sin that is not being dealt with we are ignoring the log and we are quickly exposing others to make a spectacle of them this seems to be something that is popular in our social media culture.
    But also love is amazing as it doesn’t point fingers at sin drawing attention to it. it comes and covers sin and it patiently walks by the side of one in sin leading to repentance.

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  6. “Unfortunately, this is one aspect at which the modern church has failed miserably. We are far from one mind and spirit, little alone, one purpose. “

    “We need to get back to what the Word of God says, not what the traditions and doctrines of man say.”

    This is something that grieves me terribly it is due to a watered down milk like teaching that is leading millions of believers to a different gate all due to a lacking gospel, a gospel that is cherry picked to tickle the ears of the hearers to make salvation a quick fix now follow the crowd mindset. It is like a seed planted with no nutrient inside the seed you get a weak and withering crop.

    There are so many who are seeking asking and knocking Matthew 7:7 and trying to enter in to a gate Matthew 7:21-23 and doing many works which they are seeing so many others do and following what so many others follow, yes in the name of Jesus, but because the message of the gospel contains only part of the nutrient they practice what so many other practice a teaching and tradition that is not of God that is not of his will, not of his instruction. They build beautiful sand castles which seems pleasing to the eye and desirable to the flesh but it wasn’t a house built on the rock Matthew 7:24-27 it’s a broad gate full of a bunch of sand artists working with the same material over and over rebuilding what continues to fall using molds that they copy from the world and put some Christ in it but not getting true results that last.

    Those that truly love God and others knows they cannot do it without God using his tools and strong materials of instruction(one purpose) and solid foundations of truth (one mind), Proverbs 6:23 setting up his lamp and shining his light(one spirit) in the areas that he works to build that house which is the way that leads to life through the narrow gate.

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  7. Hi Chris and Brandon,
    I have to say that you are very close, Brandon, to the perspective that I am coming from, and the reason I do not keep a record of wrongs done to me is that I believe that we can all sin and ch. 6 vs. 14 and 15 states :-
    'For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.' comes into my mind if I was to keep a record of what someone does wrong to me. That does not take away the fact that I can approach the person about a situation, but there is a time to speak and a time to refrain from speaking and that depends on the situation.
    Also this is the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs'
    Long ago I would have been easily angered, but since I have been born again of God's Holy Spirit I feel I have been changed in that area.
    I hope this explains more or less where I am coming from in my comment Chris.

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  8. Hi Brenda, I agree that part of Loving one another includes not keeping a record of wrongs. However, there is a point at which you need to protect yourself and others, from people that mean to do you harm. Continue to love and treat them right, but keep an eye on them.

    Matthew 10:16
    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
    as sheep.

    Luke 10:3
    Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

    Acts 20:29
    For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

    I love learning about the Lord, through the Book of God and the Book of Nature. I love pursuing him.

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  9. Thanks, Sandy!

    Kind Words!

    Shalom Aleichem

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  10. Hey Chris, you hit on one of my pet peeves. One of the jobs of the local minister, elders and flock, is to check in on each other. They will respond with that there are too many church attendees, to do that on a regular basis. Wrong answer, if you keep the flock small, as the Bible directs. Once a church gets too small, they are to split and cover more ground. Too many churches grow to an enormous size and become complacent. We are human and we need to be loved. I agree that most people will not stay, if they don't feel part of the church. We need to be Echad, One. As this post says, One Mind, One Love, One Purpose.

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  11. I agree Brandon. Forgive the wrongs, 70 times 7. If the issue is aggregious, then the Bible is quite clear what to do, as stated in Mathew 18:15-17

    Luke 17:3
    Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

    Matthew 18:21
    Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?"

    Galatians 6:1
    Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

    2 Thessalonians 3:15
    Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

    Titus 3:10
    Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,

    James 5:19
    My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

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  12. Hey Brandon, as for your second point, I really like what you said,

    "But also love is amazing as it doesn’t point fingers at sin drawing attention to it. it comes and covers sin and it patiently walks by the side of one in sin leading to repentance."

    That sounds a little like C.S. Lewis. :-)

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  13. As for your third point, Brandon, I thought I'd give you a big ol Smiley Face. :-) I can't empathize and agree with your heartache. Continue to pray for our brothers and sisters and put out the truth in Love.

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    1. Sorry. \Typo. can empathize. Thanks for catching that. :-)

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  14. Brenda, I totally agree with your about forgiveness, but Y'shua also went on to clarify his statement, in Luke 10:3.

    Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

    We also got to remember 1 John 1:9.

    If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    I'm all about forgiveness. However, God doesn't expect more out of us than what he requires. Repentance first, forgiveness follows automatically.

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  15. Sorry that is Luke 17:3-4

    If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

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  16. Hi all,
    If you look at my first comment you will see that what I said was that I love the part of not keeping a record of wrongs regarding the 'love' spoken of that we are to have with one another.
    I have had a couple of occasions in my Christian walk when I have been 'wronged', especially with 'pastors'. One time, which I shared in one of my posts, was when a pastor in a church gathering I was attending asked the Holy Spirit to come into the gathering. I started to sing a song and the pastor told me to stop singing. I asked him why he has said that and he said 'I am in charge'. I said 'You are not in charge, the Holy Spirit is in charge.' Then I said 'I feel to shake the dust off my feet' and he said 'Then shake the dust off your feet'. My friend next to me said 'I feel the same Brenda.' I then opened my Bible that I had on me and I opened straight to the page with the scripture on it that said;- 'Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area. If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them.' Luke ch. 9 vs. 4 and 5.
    The Lord then led me to another church gathering.
    I believe absolutely that the war is not against flesh and blood, it is spiritual as stated in Ephesians ch. 6 v. 12. and this is what helps me to not keep a record of wrongs done to me. It is the traditions of man that cause divisions within the church, when the true instructions given of the gathering together is not in operation.
    Keith, I agree with every scripture in the Bible, including all the ones you have shared in your comments. As I have said before, I believe the Bible is a vocabulary, not a book, through which God teaches us His ways and thoughts, and that our walk is on-going. We are each spoken to through various scriptures daily and grow in the Spirit as we act upon that Word spoken whatever it might be. The Holy Spirit reveals all that is going on in the Spirit gradually through the 'milk' of the Word first and then the 'strong meat'.
    I could go on for ever talking about this, but the main thing is for all of us is that God sees everything in the hearts and minds of everyone, and He is the One Who knows how to speak to all of us and solve all our issues, and which scripture to use for that at any particular time - even to the one that continually does us wrong. It is we who are being tested in those times.

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  17. First of all, I love how we can discuss things here and no one gets upset or over-reacts.

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  18. Brenda, I think we all agree with you, but wanted to expound upon that point. As for me, the church has erroneously taught that we are to forgive automatically, when we are offended. That's not what Y'shua said. My point was that we are to immediately forgive each other when an offense is recognized by the offender and the offender has asked for forgiveness. That's what Luke 17:3 says and that's how God operates, as documented in 1 John 1:9.

    Another verse, that is similar, is Matthew 5:4, where it says to Love your enemies. The actual words say to be committed to your enemies. The church has always taught that we are to have an unconditional love for our enemies. However, that's not what Y'shua said. In a nutshell, we are to be committed to our enemies, as to not drive a wedge between us, in order that they may recognize the Spirit of God within us, so that the Spirit can draw them near.

    With all that said, if we want to forgive, without the offender asking forgiveness, then, by all means, go for it. However, the Bible does not teach us to unconditionally forgive our offenders or enemies. Your thoughts.

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  19. I suppose I have not really gone by what the 'church' has taught Keith, as I try to go by what the Holy Spirit enlightens to me and what I believe the Lord has called me to do. I can only be responsible for my own actions and not others. I have loved everything that I believe I have been called to do, whether it be out in the streets evangelizing, in church gatherings, or being on the blog. I just love interacting with people, and I can only state again that I have been shown it is not a war against flesh and blood. The issue for me is not the fact that someone is doing something wrong to me, that is their problem not mine. All I can do is to try to do what I believe is right. I can not say that I have had a lot of problems in this area. As I have said, it has always been highlighted to me not to keep a record of wrongs, and even with the issue with the pastor of that church, it was scripture that instructed me. What he was doing was not scriptural, but that was not my problem. However, I did not feel any hatred towards him, I just felt sad that the church gathering was not functioning according to what is written, and was losing out through it. I have only been in two church gatherings that have operated according absolutely to scripture and I have seen miracles, healings in those two gatherings through the prayer of faith. I am not sure what else I can say really, as the subject is now about forgiveness, and I don't think I brought this up in my first comment. I thought it was about 'love'.

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  20. However, I do agree that 'love' includes forgiveness when it is required.

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  21. I think we can all agree that if we are to be agents of the Will of Yahweh, through the Word of God/Y'shua, then we are to be God-like and Act in One Mind, One Spirit, One Purpose, according to his Word.

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  22. That is right Keith, and the Lord will give us wisdom to define the spirit within a person as we grow in Him. I also feel it is important to pray for a person if a bad spirit has been revealed within them. We must not forget that we do not war against flesh and blood. God loved us even though we sinned against Him.
    God bless all of you, and have a lovely time with family and friends over the Christmas period.

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  23. I agree with everything said so far. As far as Love and forgiveness goes, I heard a sermon today that applies. Agape Love is willing your offenders or enemies well being to be good, not necessarily liking them or forgiving them. However, when they repent of their infractions, we are to forgive them. I think too many Christians think that Jesus said to forgive and forget. I agree with Keith, Jesus did say that. Another thing that I agree with is that God has given us his Bible to know how to live our lives. We are to follow it. He doesn't expect us to live our lives in a way that he doesn't do himself.

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  24. Brandon. Matthew 18 indicates that is how we are to treat our brothers. How about our enemies? Since they are already a "Gentile and a tax collector", do we still follow Matthew 18. I know what I do. I was curious what you think.

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  25. Hi Chris,
    Luke ch. 6 says much about this from verse 27.

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  26. Hi Brenda. You are correct. Now we must put it all together and act the same as what the bible says, not what we feel. I believe that acting differently that what the bible says is a little like adding to or taking away from his word.

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  27. Great Points!!! Putting it all together, not adding to or subtracting from his code of conduct, his Word. That's what the post was about...coming together in One Love, One Mind, One Purpose. That was the point in my previous comment.

    As for forgiveness, many churches have taught that we are to automatically forgive and forget. That's not the Bible says. We are to forgive and forget, when the offender has repented, either to God or us. This is the lesson that we are to be in one accord. Too many of Y'shua's lessons have been taken out of context. At the risk of beating a dead horse into the ground, we need to continue to pursue God in One Love, One Mind, One Purpose. We need to read the Bible for ourselves and let the Spirit guides us, not man. I'm a firm believer that all the Remnant is of One Love, One Mind, One Purpose, In The Spirit.

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  28. That is right Chris, I think that is how our thoughts and ways become changed to the thoughts and ways of God - through trying to act upon the Word spoken to us. We are all constantly learning and growing in the Lord as children of God, and without interacting with one another we could not become one in the Lord

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  29. I believe what you have said about the remnant Keith, it is the Holy Spirit that leads and guides us into all truth. John 13 vs. 34 and 35 says exactly how we must be in the Lord, and how we can tell whether we are or not:-
    'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another'

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  30. "...for forgiveness, many churches have taught that we are to automatically forgive and forget. That's not the Bible says. We are to forgive and forget, when the offender has repented, either to God or us."

    I've chosen to forgive someone who is not sorry (they don't seem to realize they have anything to be sorry for...) but, anyway, the unforgiveness became very heavy, especially over time. I forgave and it was 500 pounds lifted off of me.


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  31. Sandi, your case is a little different. I think the biblical example implies both are aware of the offense. Praise God that you forgave them.

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  32. Hi, Just a little thought of mine. I don't think we all realize what is wrong in God's eyes, as His thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways. We all learn His thoughts and ways at various times, as we grow in Him, and it depends whether we are going by the carnal mind or the mind of Christ in all issues.

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  33. Sandi, I'm glad that you forgave the person that wronged you. If we are to Love each other as ourselves, do you think that sharing the wrong with the person would have led to both of you being edified. I agree that it's hard to approach someone, with a perceived offense, especially when that person has no idea. However, the Bible is clear that you need to go to that person, so both of you can grow and heal. What are your thoughts?

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    1. We've talked many times. They just don't think they've done anything wrong. It is an elderly family member and many years of things. It has caused many problems, but this person sees it all as someone else's fault...or seems to. It is hard to watch. The wise woman builds up her house; the foolish one tears hers down with her own hands. I have watched a person I love (and hate) tear down their own house.

      That hate part may sound like I don't forgive, but I do. I feel sorry for this person.

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    2. I am sorry to share such a horrible thing here on your blog, Keith.

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    3. Hey Sandi, I actually understand. The Bible tells us to be committed to our brothers and sisters. It never once says that we have to like them. There is absolutely nothing anti-biblical about your comment,

      "I have watched a person I love (and hate) tear down their own house."

      I know, for a fact, that you have handled it correctly.

      By the way, sharing our issues with each other is what your real family, the Remnant of God, is all about. We are here for each other.

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  34. Chris, I agree. Sandi's example is a little different, but definitely an area in which we all can learn.

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  35. Again, Brenda, we are in total agreement. What may seem right in our eyes could be seen entirely different from God's point of view. That's why it's important to persue God, by emulating God's Word. If we become Echad with the Word of God, then there will be no misunderstanding. I think that's the message of this section of Philippians, One Mind, One Love, One Spirit, One Purpose, Echad.

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  36. Amen,
    all joined together in the body of Christ, and maturing as we grow in Him through that Word spoken to us. I love being taught by the Holy Spirit and am amazed how much peace I get after saying 'Sorry' to my husband when I know I am wrong. (something I would never have done at one time) :-)

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  37. Hi Sandi,
    do not feel discouraged by what is going on in the family, the scriptures actually state that there is 'time to hate'. (Ecclesiastes ch. 3 v.8). We can not be hypocrites, and if you have approached the person many times then all you can do is pray for them regarding the issue and leave it to God. I believe that He is the only One that knows the full truth of what it is that is causing this in the person and why it is happening.
    Put your mind at rest in the Lord Sandi, and I pray that you have a very blessed Christmas.

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  38. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us.

    Will God hold us to that contract when we meet Him face to face? If so ... many of us are doomed.

    Christ forgave when He hung there on the Cross.

    Can we forgive like Christ? He is God; we are not. Can we possibly forgive like Him?

    Forgiveness is possible. Forgetting is not. It is part of our nature to remember. The more the pain the more we remember.

    When Christ looks at the scars in His hands and feet and in His side; He remembers. And forgives once more.

    God bless.

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  39. Hey Sandi, This is the same comment from earlier. I reposted it here, in case you missed it.

    I actually understand. The Bible tells us to be committed to our brothers and sisters. It never once says that we have to like them. There is absolutely nothing anti-biblical about your comment,

    "I have watched a person I love (and hate) tear down their own house."

    I know, for a fact, that you have handled it correctly.

    By the way, sharing our issues with each other is what your real family, the Remnant of God, is all about. We are here for each other.

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  40. Hi Victor. Thanks for joining the conversation. You bring up a couple of good points. I agree wholeheartedly.


    As for the forgive and forget point, it is a phrase that implies forgiveness, followed by not holding the person accountable for the infraction, not forgetting the sin completely. I totally agree that's not humanly possible. I hope to see hear from you again. Shabbat Shalom.

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  41. We must not forget that it is spiritual warfare, and that there is a power in prayer. The battle belongs to the Lord, and all things are possible with Him. I pray that this person will not continue to suffer in the spirit through he or she's actions and that God will bring repentance, peace and harmony into the whole situation.

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  42. I agree Brenda, that is why we must always pursue God so his spirit is always within us..

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  43. In His wisdom God has allowed the present state of the church; Paul's ministry showed that he was aware of what would come, and John's tends to answer it.
    But God cannot be defeated in the end, and the holy city in its glory will reflect all He had in mind.
    Grace be with you

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  44. Hey David, the fact that God has allowed the church to persue it's own ways shows that we do have free will.

    As for Paul knowing, I totally agree. I actually brought this up, in our latest Bible Study.

    As for God not being able to be defeated and the holy city will reflect all he had in mind, I send out a big AMEN!!!!!

    Grace be with you also, my brother. Shalom!!

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